Winter Vacation

We LOVE winter vacation:  A little break from sporting events, lots of time to spend with the family, life just slows down a bit and it's nice.

Even Mom can find time to sit and read a bit during winter break.

Before Christmas Tanner and Austin went with Grandma Marsha and Emily to Disneyland for their "Teen Disney Trip."  It was a "teen trip"  because the magic of Disney for a teen is different than experienced as a child or an adult.  Tanner, Austin and Emily were able to see and experience things in their fullness, things they will never experience again at any other time in their lives.  For example, who other than a teen will break the record for the most consecutive rides on Splash Mountain.  These crazy teens rode Splash 14 times in a row without getting out of their log.

Only teens will wake up at 6 in the morning to go get the coveted, much sought after Disneyland candy canes that are made only during the holiday season then stay the entire day and shut down the park.

Disney's Handmade Candy Canes:  A Hot Commodity at the Candy Palace
With limited batches made during the holidays, only the most dedicated park guests get to try this Disney treat.

Austin got sick and spent an entire day of the trip in the hotel room, wishing he was home with his mom.  I am sure it was from eating all the unlimited food in the concierge lounge.

During their trip California was experiencing the biggest rain storm it has seen for years. It gave the "teens" the run of the park.  No one in their right mind, but a Washingtonian Teen would be out in that and enjoying it. Everything came home soaked!   I wish I had pictures to post of their experience, but they didn't take any.  No worries, I am sure the boys will remember this trip forever.

After Christmas we had Emily come and stay with us for the week and New Year's Eve celebrations.  During that week we decided to take everyone up to Mount Hood.  We rented a cabin at the Cooper Spur Resort where we spent time playing in the snow, eating and gaming together.  The next morning we got up and went skiing and snowboarding.

Day is done, we had so much fun!

This was McKenna, Carson, and Emily's first ski/snowboarding experience.  By the end of the day we were all pooped, but everyone had a really good time, learned how to get on and off the chairlifts and had some great runs in the fresh powder left from the recent storms.